Victim/Witness Program

Jane Iwanski, Victim Witness Coordinator 715-346-1300

Victim Witness Program

The primary purpose of the Victim/Witness Program is to provide information, referral and support to citizens and law enforcement officers of Portage County who have been victims of or witnesses to crimes and to ensure that the services specified under Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes are made available to them. The Victim/Witness Coordinators maintain contact with victims and witnesses to update them on case progress in the criminal justice system.

Some of the services provided are as follows:

Information about how the criminal justice system works.

Specific information and updates on the case concerning the crime victim, including case progress and disposition.

Escort service to court appearances.

Notification of suspect escape and release from custody from the county jail

FAQs

Check out the Clerk of Court webpage for U.S Passport information and links on how to get your passport. The passport book link will take you there.

Could all of the law enforcement in the county be consolidated into one county-wide police department?

No. While municipalities are free to provide their own police department, or contract for police services from another municipality or the county, the Sheriff is a constitutionally mandated office. However, all of the law enforcement services across the county could be consolidated under the sheriff's office. Portage County only has two municipalities that provide their own police services, the City of Stevens Point and the Village of Plover. The remaining 96+% of the County is already under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Sheriff's office.

Does the Sheriff's Office enforce municipal ordinances?

No. The Sheriff's Office enforces county ordinances and state law. That is unless the municipality has contracted with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement.

Do county ordinances apply within my municipality?

Yes, with only a very few exceptions. All county ordinances are enforceable county-wide, except where the statute provides for local ordinances to preclude county ordinance enforcement (e.g. fireworks, solicitors permits). Otherwise, even if a city, village, or town has their own ordinances, the county ordinances still apply.

What is the jurisdiction of the Sheriff's Office?

The Sheriff's Office exercises jurisdiction throughout the County, including within municipal boundaries and in places that have their own police departments. The Sheriff and his deputies also exercise their authority state-wide under certain circumstances, even when outside of their home county.

Where can I look to find out when my next court date will be?

The clock link will take you to the Appearance Times page where you can search the WiCourts.gov "CCAP" database to find your case(s). You can use a simple statewide search by using your first and last name. It will bring up everyone with that name, so you may need to verify which case(s) are yours. If you know your case number, you could type the case number and select a county your case is filed in.

There is also a "Kiosk" located on the 2nd floor of the Courthouse for the public to use to look up circuit court cases that are scheduled for a hearing that day.

How do I sign up for court hearing reminder text messages?

Forms are available at the Clerk of Court office or online. Click cell phone link:

Where can I get information on getting a restraining order?

There are Domestic Abuse and Harassment informational forms that can be obtained at the Clerk of Court office or online. Click this link for more information: Temporary Restraining Order Information

Someone I know was picked up last night or over the weekend. When will he/she have an appearance?

Appearances on new charges are held at different times throughout the day/week. Please contact either the District Attorney's Office at 715-346-1300 or the Clerk of Courts Office anytime after 10:30 a.m.

These appearances are normally held during the late morning hours or in the early afternoon. If a call is made too early, the information will not be available. The defendant may or may not appear in person in the courtroom for the appearance. Many times they will appear by video appearance at the jail.

If I post bond, do I have to appear at all appearances?

If you are the Defendant, an appearance is REQUIRED for ALL scheduled hearings unless otherwise noted. If you fail to appear for any appearance, a warrant WILL be issued for your arrest and you may be charged with bailjumping.

If you are unable to appear, you should immediately contact your attorney or, if you have not retained an attorney, the District Attorney's Office at 715-346-1300 or the Clerk of Courts Office.

How do I pay my parking ticket?

Parking Tickets can be paid by using the ticket/envelope to mail your check/money order payment into the Sheriff’s Office at 1500 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481-3542. Otherwise, you can come directly to the Sheriff’s Office to pay in cash or check during business hours. You can find out more information at: http://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/sheriff-s-office/parking-tickets.